This group was constituted in 1997 and focuses on the physical
chemistry of supramolecular systems. Our research projects include the
synthesis and characterisation of open framework transition metal
structures and large metal-containing supramolecular assemblies that
have potential for guest uptake (gas storage, molecular sensing), the
study of selectivity in organic host-guest systems, and the
beneficiation of pharmaceutically relevant materials through the
investigation of their polymorphs, solvates, cyclodextrin inclusion
complexes and cocrystals. Solid phases are studied using powder and
single crystal X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis (including TGA and
DSC) and spectroscopy (FTIR and solid-state NMR techniques). The
thermodynamics of inclusion and complexation processes in solution are
investigated by high-resolution NMR spectroscopy and isothermal
titration calorimetry. Director: Professor M.R. Caira
Email:
Mino.Caira@uct.ac.za